Plead my cause, O LORD,

.... with those who contend with me; Fight against those who fight against me (Psalm 35:1). The context of this passage shows that David is in the midst of war. There were certainly times when  the Lord fought for Israel i.e. “You will not have to fight this battle .... stand firm and see the deliverance of the LORD ” (2 Chronicles 20:17). And there are also certainly times when this morning's  prayer is appropriate for us, for example in the midst of war. But many of the Psalm seems to conform to Jesus telling  'You have heard it said ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy’ (Matthew 5:43). Jesus goes on to call us to a higher standard in our interpersonal relationships.

In particular, He says “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” (verse 44). The Epistles often give explanations of Jesus' teaching, and 2 Timothy 2:24-26 is such an  an example. It says “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,  in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,  come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” There are a couple of things here to note.  Firstly the context of the exhortation is to “the servant of the Lord” who is experiencing opposition inspired by the enemy. The assumption then is that the servant is in the right.

In particular,  in the midst of an argument,  or potential argument, we need to examine ourselves and first and foremost see to our side of the street as it were. We need to understand clearly the rights and wrongs of the situation, and if we are to do this patiently and in humility, we may need to examine our attitude and our motives. For me,  I often need to be reminded that a soft answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).  Secondly, we need to know and act according to the reality that the other person is not the enemy (Ephesians 6:12), but that he or she has been taken captive by him.  Thirdly the goal is the other person's repentance, and it involves them coming to their senses.  This is where this morning's verse comes in. Many times in opposition,  the other person is simply not able to hear us. It might be because of our history with them, or it might not. But in any case the Lord can get through where we cannot.  His work and His influence might not be visible any time soon,  but in the words of the song, even when we don't see it, He is working!

Father, You work in ways we cannot see, You will make a way for me. And if You be for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?  We are the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13), and we are blessed and not cursed. Thank You Lord for Your favour, thank You that You work all things for my good, thank You that You are a very present help in time of need, and that You will never leave me nor forsake me. So please help me to live for You,  and I will give You the glory in Jesus Name Amen